NEULICHTERFELDE: Key agreements concluded
One of Berlin’s largest residential developments can begin.
One of the capital’s largest residential development projects can now begin in the south of Berlin, in Lichterfelde. The Groth Group, the former owner of the site, and the project partners have successfully concluded all key agreements for the development of the new Neulichterfelde urban district. This creates the conditions for implementing the project between 2026 and 2035.
Approximately 2,500 homes are to be built on the approximately 97-hectare overall site, comprising 36 hectares of development land and 61 hectares of pastureland. The plan is for a mixed-use district with a broad range of subsidized and privately financed homes for households of different sizes and income groups. The residential offering will be complemented by efficient social infrastructure and good access to public transportation. The 61-hectare “Lichterfelde Pasture Landscape” will be preserved as a biodiversity hotspot.
Christian Gaebler, Senator for Urban Development, Construction and Housing: “We need affordable housing in all parts of the city. The new partnership secures 2,500 homes in Lichterfelde Süd, which means a new home for more than 5,000 people in Berlin. With this development, we are continuing on a growth trajectory in residential construction. 80,000 new homes will be built during this legislative term. This is good news for Berlin’s tenants.”
Patrick Steinhoff, District Councillor for Urban Development: “We look forward to the new participants in the project, who are committed to creating urgently needed housing in Berlin’s southwest. The Steglitz-Zehlendorf district will also work in close coordination with the project partners to support the realization of the largest residential construction project in Steglitz-Zehlendorf.”
degewo strengthens its own portfolio with more than 1,000 homes
degewo, one of Berlin’s leading municipal housing companies, is developing more than 1,000 homes for its own portfolio, more than 50% of which will be subsidized. In this way, the municipal housing company is making a significant contribution to securing affordable housing in the new district over the long term.
degewo and WÖHR + BAUER – a strong partnership for more than 850 homes
The joint venture between degewo and WÖHR + BAUER is realizing more than 850 homes in four construction phases, as well as key elements of the district, including the district center and a climate-neutral energy supply for the homes.
“With WÖHR + BAUER, we have found a joint-venture partner with a high level of reliability and implementation expertise,” explains Kai-Marten Maack, who will become a member of degewo’s Management Board in May 2026. “Here, municipal and private stakeholders are joining forces to make an effective contribution to easing the pressure on Berlin’s housing market.”
Christoph Beck, member of degewo’s Management Board, adds: “As a municipal housing company, we are tasked with providing affordable housing. We are therefore very pleased to be able to create more than 1,000 affordable homes here. This will realize one of the largest new-build projects we have ever undertaken. In this way, we will continue to make our contribution in a growing city.”
The district’s central feature is the district square at the S-Bahn station, with offices, medical practices and local shops. The plans include, among other things, three daycare centers and a school with sports facilities and a gymnasium. “We are creating a district here that really works. With its clear urban identity and high quality of stay, the district square is intended to form the centerpiece and serve as a lively meeting place for different generations,” explains Wolfgang Roeck, partner and Managing Director of WÖHR + BAUER.
The district has good transport connections: the S-Bahn station Lichterfelde Süd and several bus routes provide a direct connection to the city center; Berlin Central Station can be reached in around 45 minutes.
In addition, the joint venture between degewo and WÖHR + BAUER is responsible for developing the infrastructure of the approximately 36-hectare development site.
Former owner Groth Group contributes around 420 terraced houses to the district development
Around 420 terraced houses are being developed by the Groth Group. The company was previously the owner of the site and had driven the project’s development forward significantly over the past 14 years. The resolution adopting the development plan in the Steglitz-Zehlendorf district in 2024 created the planning-law basis for implementing the new Neulichterfelde urban district. Thomas Groth, Managing Director of the Groth Group, says: “We look forward to the new partnership and to jointly implementing part of this major urban development project.”
Strategic contribution to the provision of affordable housing
Berlin’s housing market remains tight: while, according to the Pestel Institute, around 20,000 new homes are needed each year until 2028, the number of building permits has recently fallen significantly. There is a structural shortage of supply, particularly in southern Berlin.
“Affordable housing can only be created when projects can be planned and implemented reliably. At present, high interest rates, increased equity requirements and, at times, investor reluctance are holding back new construction activity,” Roeck adds. “If we want to get residential construction moving again, we need strong partnerships and reliable conditions between municipal and private stakeholders. With Neulichterfelde, we are demonstrating how new housing can be created in this way.” WÖHR + BAUER has been developing and realizing commercial properties, housing and mobility solutions, including in Berlin, for around 35 years.
Advisors
- GSK Stockmann, Jennifer Bierly and Prof. Dr. Jan Kehrberg, for WÖHR + BAUER
- FPS, Stefanie Kalke and Christoph von Arnim, for degewo
- SCHILLHORN Rechtsanwälte, Dr. Ulf Schillhorn, for the Groth Group
Image: Source: Groth Group
